PAGCOR bans POGO hubs, deploys 24/7 monitoring teams

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced on Wednesday that it will no longer permit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to operate in large spaces or compounds.

At a Senate hearing, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco stated that the corporation is banning hubs and will not approve any new applications for such operations until further notice.

Tengco explained that future POGO operations must be 'site specific' and 'building specific,' contrasting with current practices in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga, where raids have uncovered illegal activities.

PAGCOR will deploy 24/7 monitoring teams to oversee the 43 remaining licensed POGOs around the clock to prevent criminal activities.

During the hearing, Porac Mayor Jaime Capil was questioned for not acting on a 2021 letter from the Philippine National Police regarding possible illegal activities in the Royal Hotel operated by Lucky South 99.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian criticized Mayor Capil's delayed response and called his explanation of never receiving the letter 'very convenient.'

While Tengco cannot guarantee an end to crimes linked with POGOs, he assured lawmakers that his agency will follow any presidential directive regarding these firms.